John Anthony Avila

John Anthony Avila, 63, passed away in the company of his loved ones on August 18, 2025, in Dallas, TX. A native of San Marcos, TX, John spent many enjoyable years working and living in Dallas.

John was born to Henrietta Herrera Avila and Jeronimo T. Avila in Austin, Texas. In the early 1960s, John’s family moved to San Marcos where the family quickly integrated into the local Mexican-American community. John’s mother became a local community organizer for the Texas Democratic Party and the San Marcos Commission for Women, and she instilled in John a lifelong passion for progressive values and the empowerment of women.

Growing up in San Marcos, John enjoyed swimming in the San Marcos River and constantly making new friends. He was an altar server at St. John’s Catholic Church. He graduated from San Marcos High School in 1980 and then took a few years to explore and wander freely between several universities including St. Edwards, Texas State San Marcos, and the University of Texas at Dallas.

After graduating from UTD, John spent more than 30 years in the banking and insurance industries. Most recently, he co-founded Insurance Services & Management (ISM) in 2017, acting as the President of Business Development. John was also an active member in various DFW-area organizations including the Hispanic Bankers Association of Dallas, the Greater Dallas Planning Council, and Junior Players, where he was an advisory board member and former board member. John dedicated endless hours and efforts to advocating for the well-being of North Texas area youth and DFW community members. John (often very loudly) advocated for a more just, equal, and safe environment for his family, friends, and the communities around him.

John met his wife Ana Edna Ibarra Reyna in 2005, and they married in 2007. Their family grew to include three daughters - Brooke, Belen, and Frida - and John’s sister, Cha Cha. John’s final years were spent supporting his family’s insurance business, raising his daughters, and caring for Cha Cha in Corsicana, TX.

John is survived by his wife Ana; daughters Brooke (Jacob Boyd), Belen, and Frida; and his sisters Frances “Cha Cha” Avila and Marie “Pinky” Avila. John’s family, the extended Ibarra Reyna family, and his many friends will cherish all the good times and memories created with him.

Buen viaje, John! Until we meet again.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Junior Players, a Dallas nonprofit that empowers North Texas children and youth through the arts.